Chinese Zither Performance

We are pleased to host a performance by Hua Jin playing the Chinese Zither. Hua Jin is the Mandarin Chinese teacher at the Confucius Institute at the University of Montana, and an accomplished player of the zither.

The Chinese Zither, commonly called the Zheng, is a traditional Chinese stringed instrument usually made of phoenix tree wood. It has existed since the Warring States Period (475B.C.-221B.C.). By the Tang Dynasty (618 CE to 907 CE), the zheng was arguably the most commonly played instrument in China. By using a rhythmic breath it can produce a very graceful and beautiful melody, which is physically and psychologically helpful to the old and, in turn, has the function prolonging life.